Hard Water

[walley]

I know it is soon to discuss ice fishing but I want to set up a trip to Oak Island this winter and was wondering is there a better time of the year to make this trip. We plan on setting up Sportsman to transport and stay at the lodge for 3 days.<BR>

[Gissert]

Is there ever a bad time to be in the Angle, LOL?<P>We have a group that makes a first ice trip every year. That is usually about the second week in December. Most of the outfits are just getting started then and there is not a whole lot of houses out. We have done really well some years, and sometimes it is a struggle to get on a active bite. This is strictly a free lance trip for us, except for getting bait from someone. <P>After the first of the year, everyone should be running full bore. <P>I have had good luck with perch and sauger in February many times up there. I like to make mid week trips then. The guides are not as harried, and sometimes you have a few houses to choose from. We usually use RC Carlson's houses. We will go out on our own sleds. If there are open houses, RC will let us move from a day bite house to a evening bite house on our own. First rate guy, he is. <P>Give Sportman's a call, or talk to Frank Walsh at the Bay Store. They will give you the straight scoop.<P>

[walley]

thanks for the information

[Walleye Wacker]

We went up to Oak last year over New Years. Stayed at Sportsman's. Weather was typical for the season with lots of Barometer shifts and 8" of snow. It hurt the fishing on the first day but on the second day lots of action but they were almost all small. Sportsman's package including the cabins were very nice!